Food. Family. Fun

Coconut Recipes

So I told you I met with Dyan Ng. We talked about her career and for awhile, about all things coconut.

Dyan grew up in the Philippines, one of the greatest exporters of coconuts, behind only Indonesia and India, in the world.

We talked about recipes anyone could make–not flans or custards or cream pies. Simple things.

Shaved Coconut Ice

Here is the simplest recipe of all, a Coconut Granitee. My friend said “Oh, it’s just a slushy!” It’s not JUST anything, it’s DELICIOUS. And with a simple syrup or in a pretty little bowl, it can be quite interesting and even elegant. It certainly is NOT just a slushy, although you can call it that for your kids, who will come running for it.

Here’s the thing- the base of this dessert is simply coconut water. That’s it. Freeze the coconut water in a glass or non-reactive container overnight or for several hours. Then scrape it with a fork to make the crystals. This is a great job for your kids. A word of advice is to plan to work quickly, as the crystals do, sadly, melt.

If you keep this recipe that simple–frozen coconut water, scraped–then you have a light, refreshing, yummy and by-the-way NUTRITIOUS treat for your friends and family. It’s perfect for warm days or for post-workout recovery. Just scrape and go.

Pour 16 ounces (you can use less–just use however much is in your coconut–or can) fresh young coconut water into a glass container.

Freeze.

Remove from freezer, scrape to remove

My daughter scraping away. This is perfect for kids or for working out your inner angst.

OK, here’s how you take it up a notch- add a simple syrup.

I made two syrups inside of about 10 minutes while my kids blissfully slept in this morning.

Coconut Lime Simple Syrup

Add 3/4 cup coconut (palm) sugar to 1 cup water.

Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sugar melts–no need to simmer or boil, just melt. Be sure to melt all the way, or you get little brown flakes of sugar crystals in the syrup and you may want to strain that if you are a perfectionist.

Remove from heat, add 2 TB fresh lime juice. Cool, refrigerate.

Disclaimer: this syrup is brown. There’s no getting around the color. But the coconut sugar is just so nutty and unique and subtle that you just have to get over it.

Mixed Berry Simple Syrup

Add 1/2-3/4 cup sugar to one cup water.

Cook over medium heat, stirring to melt the sugar.

Reduce heat to simmer, add 1 cup mixed berries–I used frozen berries. Simmer while you clean up or enjoy a coffee.

Remove from heat, add 1 tsp lemon or lime juice.

Strain through a cheesecloth, cool, refrigerate.

Spoon over the Coconut Granitee for a delicious treat! Your kids will want to make it a Kona ice and add all kinds of syrups, with makes this a Pinterest friendly kind of post, doesn’t it? The photo isn’t the best, but #1 was literally pulling on the bowl. #2 liked it because he said it is frozen vampire blood. Appetizing, right?!

Coconut Ice with Mixed Berry Simple Syrup

Executive Pastry Chef Dyan Ng’s Shaved Coconut Ice

Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 cup of water

½ cup of sugar

1 lime, zest only

One young coconut, split and water removed.*

Directions

In a medium saucepan, boil water and sugar stirring frequently until sugar is completely dissolved.

Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Once cooled, add lime zest

Add that mix to the fresh young coconut water

Pour into a flat glass or non-reactive dish

Freeze until solid.

Once frozen, scrape with a spoon like a Hawaiian ice.

Serve in bowls.

* you don’t need the meat of the coconut for this recipe, but you can save it to make another dish, such as chips, shreds, homemade coconut milk or a curry. You can add a simple syrup of your choice—try pomegranate, raspberry or blueberry for color and tart flavors.

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Meet Diana

I live on the East Coast, but I am a West Coast girl at heart! My family is full of crazy, wild women who live life to the fullest, and I am proud to follow in their footsteps. Did I mention I love to travel? We never sit for too long and are eager to share with you all we know about our adventures. We are always on the hunt for cool, hip artisans and entrepreneurs who like to share their fresh, local ideas and products. Join me to forage for a more flavorful life! Read More…

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